Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 110278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
“What do you mean, it’s new to you?” I respond.
“This, what we’re doing, it’s all brand new, like I’ve never done this before. Sure, I don’t mind being playful, but only around you, and earlier? That was definitely a piece of me you brought out in me.” She points to her chest, then back to mine.
That’s when it hits me. This is Kellie’s way of telling me she’s a virgin. My hand moves to her cheek, cupping it while bringing her eyes to meet mine. “There’s nothing to be shy about. I knew the moment you walked into Nighthawk that we were going to be together eventually. You have to know we all knew your background back then, and I didn’t shy away, Kellie. We’ll take this how you want to. You’re in the driver’s seat, but I am going to tell you this now: no matter what crazy thoughts you have going on in your head, or if you feel like running, I’ll always be there. I’ll lift you up when life is kicking you in the ass. I’ll be your rock when you feel like the world is ripping you apart, okay?”
Kellie does what I knew would happen—well, some of it at least. She faceplants in my chest, her body is shaking, and tears are already working their way to soaking through my shirt. I do the only thing I can in this situation: I wrap her up in my arms and let her work through the emotions of the day.
The only other thing I do is fumble for my phone, still keeping one harm wrapped securely around Kellie while I text Leo that there’s been a change of plans and to stop by my place for me instead. There’s no way I can leave her when she’s like this, not to mention I don’t want Leo getting even a glimpse of her body. There’s no fucking way I’ll ever allow that.
SEVEN
KELLIE
Bridger’s strong arms hold my while I fall apart. Embarrassment should be at the forefront of my mind, but it’s not. The only thing I can think about is, not only is he holding me while I’m crumbling, he’s holding me while I build myself back up too. I knew Bridger would break down all my walls—there wasn’t any way around it. That’s why I knew not to give in to his heated looks or jokes that always held some sort of innuendo.
I feel one of his arms pull away, causing me to burrow in deeper to his body. I don’t want to leave the comfort of his lap, his scent surrounding me. It’s the perfect blend of the sun shining down on a fall day and cinnamon. The smell is uniquely Bridger. When his arm comes back around me, rubbing my back, I practically purr my response.
“You okay?” His voice has an edge to it that wasn’t there before.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I made a mess of your shirt.” I pull up from my spot on his chest, wiping at the underside of my eyes. Looking down at Bridger’s shirt, I see where my mascara has stained the white fabric.
“Not worried about that. Leo’s going to stop by my place to grab some things for me, then he’ll drop off your car. I’d rather you hear this bit of information from me than Leo running his mouth.” Bridger’s hands are cupping my cheeks. This man, he thinks I don’t know how he operates.
“You mean the fact that you keep a spare set of keys to not only the company car but also my house, or how about that I know there’s GPS on said vehicle and my cell phone?” I see the surprise written all over his face, and I have to say, for once, Bridger is stunned speechless. He should know by now that I’m privy to all of this information. It’s the same for every employee at Nighthawk. I knew the stakes when I joined their team.
“Well, then, since you’re Little Miss Know-It-All, I guess all of my secrets are out.” He tickles my side, causing me to forget about my epic meltdown and instead of crying, I’m laughing so hard I may pee my pants.
“Mercy,” I get out after a few minutes, knowing both of us squirming on the couch will cause us to do something I’m not sure is a good idea. Yet. Not to mention Legend is wanting in on the action.
“Something tells me there are more secrets that you aren’t letting on about.” We are both lying down on the couch, facing one another. Legend got the memo and moved to his dog bed near the fireplace.
“More than likely, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, I want to make sure you’re comfortable around me first.”
“I think it’s safe to say I’m completely and ridiculously okay to be around you, if you haven’t noticed after today? The way my emotions have bounced all over the place and you being able to handle my craziness shows that.”